FIRM

adj., adv., & v. --adj. 1 a of solid or compact structure. b fixed, stable. c steady; not shaking. 2 a resolute, determined. b not easily shaken (firm belief). c steadfast, constant (a firm friend). 3 a (of an offer etc.) not liable to cancellation after acceptance. b (of a decree, law, etc.) established, immutable. 4 Commerce (of prices or goods) maintaining their level or value. --adv. firmly (stand firm; hold firm to). --v. 1 tr. & intr. make or become firm, secure, compact, or solid. 2 tr. fix (plants) firmly in the soil. øøfirmly adv. firmness n. [ME f. OF ferme f. L firmus]